Long Term Strategic Planning.  The ability to plan long-term while maximising performance in the short term, is a requisite for management. Strategy is concerned with management, the active process of determining and guiding a firm towards its objectives. Having identified a  strategy encourages everyone to work together to achieve common goals. It ensures day-to-day decisions fit in with long-term business plans. As no strategic plan survives contact with the market place, strategic planning is an active affair, being modified in the light of new and unforeseen circumstances.

People Development.  It is often said without much conviction that people are our greatest asset. Yet in this world of rapid technological advances our needs are constantly changing. Often investments in technology can be wasted through lack of training. In an increasing global and dynamic market, staff training is not only vital in our quest for excellence, but reduces risk levels and enhances the organisation’s ability to grow and survive.

E-Commerce. We are witnessing the emergence of the Internet and its influence on the business world.  Its big impact is likely to be the transfer of power to the customer.  Without doubt the Internet will revolutionise our existing business models.  However it is creating and driving unique opportunities and new markets.  For many organisations it poses a real threat.  It is vital for our survival and growth; to quickly learn how to use the Internet more effectively that our competitors.  Significantly, it allows regional businesses to think nationally and globally and to reach niche markets without the previous high-risk expenditure.  In addition it offers an effective tool for building strong business relations.  We need to make it a priority to learn how to use the Internet for business.

Innovation.  The dramatic pace of technological change is having an enormous impact on most organisations. Computer technology is steadily changing the way we organise our work both organisationally as well as technically. Concepts such as “just in time” are only possible with the use of technology. The risks involved in the investment decision-making process, necessitates a thorough and demanding evaluation of any project.